Of the approximately 6,000 islands in Greece, 272 are inhabited. This makes it not so easy to get an overview of the Greek islands and to find a suitable travel destination. This is where I come in to share with you our choice of the 5 most beautiful Greek islands for your vacation with beaches, sights, and hotel recommendations.
The selection of Islands here is based purely on my taste and experience and does not follow any set criteria.
1. Crete (Cretan Islands)
Crete is the largest of all Greek island and the fifth largest island in all of Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its varied landscape with beautiful sandy beaches, coastal villages, and mountainous landscapes.
On the island, you can enjoy the beaches, go hiking and discover one of the many archaeological sites. Crete is therefore the holiday island for every taste.
Sights in Crete include the Knossos Palace, the Palace of Festo, and the Phaistos Disc in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It contains finds from Crete and other Greek islands.
Hiking lovers can explore the Samaria Gorge with its unique nature. The most beautiful beaches of Crete are Vai, Elafonisi, and Balos Lagoon.
Crete is also a popular family destination. Many hotels cater to families with their children during the summer months.
The island is easily accessible via the international airports of Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ).
If you want it less touristy, then you can choose another, the quieter island from the list.
2. Zakynthos (Ionian Islands)
It is one of the most beautiful islands in all of Greece. It belongs to the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy. The pictures of the smugglers’ bay (Navagio) in Zakynthos are now among the most frequently shared motifs from Greece.
Despite its popularity, the rest of the island is still a kind of insider tip for many. Many see it as a natural paradise where white cliffs, beaches, and lush mountains alternate.
Zakynthos attractions include the famous Navagio Beach with the shipwreck, the Blue Caves, and the Marine Park. On the organized excursions, you can also see Caretta turtles.
Overall, the island is a good destination for anyone who wants to combine beautiful nature and beaches with exciting nightlife. It is easily accessible from Zakynthos International Airport.
3. Kos (Dodecanese Islands)
The small island of Kos is part of the Greek Dodecanese off the coast of Turkey. On the island, you will find many stunning, wild beaches and some Greek and Roman archaeological ruins. Famous people like Hippocrates, the ancestor of modern medicine, lived there.
The most important sight on the island are the remains of the Asklepieion of Kos, probably the oldest teaching hospital in Europe.
The island is a good choice for beach lovers who want to spend most of their time on a beautiful beach. The most beautiful beaches on Kos include Marmari Beach, Therma Beach, and Cavo Paradiso Beach.
Many airlines have the international airport Kos (KGS) directly from their home country in their program.
4. Rhodes (Dodecanese Islands)
Of the Greek Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is the largest and carries a long history. It is known for its beaches, ancient ruins, and buildings from the time of the Knights of St. John (Maltese) during the Crusades.
Today, together with Crete, it is the most important island for beach holidays, all-inclusive package holidays, and family holidays in Greece. The many sights are also a nice change from the beaches on the Rhodes coast.
Among the most beautiful beaches on Rhodes are Tsambiki Beach, Tassos Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” (RHO) is one of the major airports in Greece. There are flights to all major cities of the world in the summer months.
5. Amorgos (Cyclades)
Amorgos is east of Naxos in the Aegean. The island is still typically Greek with mountainous landscapes, beautiful, unspoiled beaches, and villages glowing in the radiant white of the Cyclades. If you want to know what Santorini or Paros was like 15-20 years ago, then you should visit Amorgos.
Hiking is the best way to explore the beautiful island. On the island, you will find great hiking routes with magnificent panoramas.
Places of interest on Amorgos include the picturesque fishing village of Katapola, the remains of the ancient city of Minoa, the island’s capital, Chora, and the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa.
The most beautiful beaches are Aegiali Beach, Agia Anna Beach, Kalotaritissa, and Agios Pavlos Beach.
Amorgos does not have its own airport. The easiest way to get to the island is by taking a ferry from Naxos. From there, the small ferry “Express Skopelitis” runs almost daily to the port towns of Ormos Aegiali and Katapola.
Known as “25th island of Greece” is a bit of a meme among the gaming community, especially those who play “Among Us” as both the name of the game and the 25th island of Greece sound the same.
Overall, Amorgos is a good choice for anyone who wants to get to know a typical Greek island with fewer tourists. That makes them a kind of insider tip.